§ Mr. Home Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the implications of suggested alterations to stability criteria for passenger ferries following the Zeebrugge disaster for vessels operated by Caledonian MacBrayne and P and O from and between Scottish ports; and what funds are available for him to support the replacement and modification of ferries serving the Scottish islands.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonResponsibility for marine safety and for consideration of the recommendations of the Zeebrugge inquiry report rest with the422W Secretary of State for Transport. He is at present consulting all ferry operators, including Caledonian MacBrayne and P and O, on these recommendations, including those involving stability. It will not be clear what the implications are for ferry operators until the results of the consultations have been considered.